Recommended by Andrew Martineau

This is a fast-paced, very brief comedy that lasts less than fifteen minutes and makes us reflect on the value of time at work, how we are arbitrarily tied to the clock, and the little irritations that result when our free time is interrupted. It made me wonder why we don't have some kind of time turner marking fifteen minutes, since that it is such a standard time bearer for retail stores. Actors would have so much fun with this. A wonderful addition to a short play festival.

Finally, a Fairy Godmother who tells it like it is! I have seen a variety of versions of Cinderella from different cultures and in many different formats (haven’t we all?) but this play gives Cinderella an actual chance to grow a spine and enjoy life on her own terms. I won’t say if she takes her benefactor’s lesson to heart, but Molly Wagner makes us all realize that a shoe doesn’t always have to fit forever to be able to follow our bliss. Wonderfully entertaining!

This play is perfectly suited for a play written for Zoom because it shows how communication is so different and mystifying for those who have been uninitiated for some time. The interloper may or may not be who the brothers think it is, and it really doesn’t matter who it is in terms of the conflict. ironically, the brothers are able to be more open with each other about how to share the responsibility of caring for their aging father as a result of the ominous surprise guest on their private call. Surprising and entertaining, with authentic Kentucky dialogue.

JOEY is a play that deals with the topic of child abuse in a very sensitive way. There is a note in the character descriptions that allows for an older actor to play Joey, which I think is a good idea. A theatrical piece can reveal violent action in suggestive ways, and the audience could get a sense of its emotional weight. I was so moved by the imaginary friend and the genuinely caring, supportive role they provide, as well as serve as a manifestation of Joey’s mind that helps to question why this is happening. Heartrending and powerful.

This is my kind of play to watch (and works remarkably well on the page, as well); it’s thought-provoking and has tension and clearly delineated characters. It has suspense
and an ambiguity that makes you think. It reflects on the value of life, the complex nature of justice and privilege, and it has great roles for two actors. Who could ask for more?

This is a thought-provoking, highly relevant play about human expectations and how sometimes our problems with emotions is that what we feel and what we expect can often be on very different courses. I think it also speaks to the nature of purpose in serving others and being served, and how service in and of itself is not what automatically fulfills us. A fascinating, expertly written piece.

This play was devastating, and it speaks to a parent’s desire to protect their child, despite the very real threats out in the world that no amount of protection can always circumvent. I used to make up stories at bedtime to tell my kids, so I was taken in by the mother’s imaginative ways of describing things, especially thunder. I was not prepared for the ending, and I think that was Rachel Feeny-Williams’ point. Some things we can’t prepare for, or feel hopeful about, even when a rainbow appears.

It is true that bears can be frightening animals, unless we put ourselves in their place to try to understand their worldview. Add a little Ann Rice style, cryptic narration from a vampire's point of view, and you get a very original, suspenseful story that is both scary and poignant--not an easy combination to pull off. Plumridge allows enough room for a director and actor to have a field day of creative possibilities with this monologue. This is the second BEAR monologue I have read, and I am definitely hooked!

I was completely drawn into this very original ghost story about two men seeking to discredit two seemingly capable psychics. There is an intriguing story of murder that the psychics seem to be channeling that reveals some deep-seated family trauma, and I loved each piece of the puzzle that was slowly revealed in dramatic fashion. Thoroughly entertaining piece.

I was reminded of so many onstage pranks and eccentric actors from my own days in community theatre while reading Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s very funny play, which I found to be a “true delight”! I know so many actors who would relish chewing the scenery and getting huge laughs, if they could keep a straight face themselves! I would love to see this with some intentionally over-the-top scenery and costumes.